The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called for strict measures to protect the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway from premature deterioration once completed.
Mr. Koomson welcomed the government’s decision to construct the new expressway, describing the project as long overdue and saying it has the potential to boost economic activity and improve transportation between Accra and Kumasi.
However, he cautioned against allowing heavy-duty trucks to use the highway without adequate regulations, warning that their unrestricted use could accelerate damage to the road and increase maintenance costs.
Speaking on Ahotor FM on Saturday, September 19, Mr. Koomson suggested that heavy-duty trucks should either be restricted from using the expressway or assigned a dedicated lane.
He further proposed that if heavy trucks are permitted to use the road, they should be charged a substantial fee, with the revenue channelled directly into the maintenance of the expressway.
“If they allow trucks on the expressway, they will spoil it. Even if they will use it, they must be made to pay a heavy fee before using it,” he said.
Mr. Koomson said the proposed highway would be beneficial to the country but stressed the need for proper regulation to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Ghana Armed Forces handed over the cleared right of way for the project to the government on Monday, September 14, following the clearance of 175.6 kilometres of the project corridor by the 48 Engineers Regiment.
The exercise was completed in 19 weeks, one week ahead of the scheduled 20-week timeframe.
The proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway is planned as a six-lane highway on a different alignment from the existing Accra-Kumasi highway.
